[myichad]

I have seen numerous posts about printers for printing transparencies. I am confused...I am needing to buy a printer that does the job. What are my options. Strictly needing it to print my screen transparencies..thanks.

 

[BigUncleT13]

I use an Epson WF7510, theyre cheap and work good Ive gotten nice crisp images with stock ink, but once what comes with it runs out get refillable cartridges and ink from cobra, best ink and best pricing, for your films go with fixons. I like the 7510 because of the wide pages it can print.

 

[Danny vital]

I have seen numerous posts about printers for printing transparencies. I am confused...I am needing to buy a printer that does the job. What are my options. Strictly needing it to print my screen transparencies..thanks.

Find a used epson 1400 and get refillable cartidges. Film is cheapest from fixxons or goldupusa.

 

[Greatzky]

if you are going inkjet you really want to go with Epson. Get one of their wide format printers, some refillable cartridges(or CIS depending on how much printing you expect), and some bulk ink and you are in great shape. Throw some RIP software on top of that and you'll have some great films.

These are the wide format Epsons that I would recommend because of their quality and price. Many of these are probably not available anymore, but here you go:
- Artisan 1400
- Artisan 1430
- Workforce 1100
- Workforce 7010
- Workforce 7510

There are others, but I know you can find refillable carts for these and they will accept output film.

 

[sben763]

To add to Scott's post. The 1400/1430 gives the best prints. Prints a 1.5-21 pl dot 3-4 dot sizes per resolution.<---- this is only important when paired with the correct Rip (filmmaker). It is the only rip that uses Epson's variable dot technology. Even converting in a graphics program on gives you 1 dot size.

The 7010 gas been discontinued. Replaced by the 7510 but all the other printers mentioned only print a2.0pl -21pl dot but can only produce 2 dot sizes per resolution.

 

[Ready2Rock]

@sben763, have you ever used UltraSeps with that 1430? Is the drop size only configurable through the RIP on the 1430? I have that Canon as you know and am really considering the 1430 after seeing some of the splatter you spoke of in the other thread. I would think I could pull more from the 9600 x 2400 dpi it boasts about to reduce that?

 

[sben763]

The dot size is configurable though the LPI no matter how you print and yes ultra seps has the option to select the LPI if using it to convert to halftones. You only get the variable dot when printing with filmmaker. Multiple dot sizes.

Any Epson will produce superior result due to the Epson places the dot with a plunger. Most other printers heat the ink till it burst. Some have produced some cold process heads but they still can't produce the quality of a Epson and still produce splatter.

 

[Ready2Rock]

The dot size is configurable though the LPI no matter how you print and yes ultra seps has the option to select the LPI if using it to convert to halftones. You only get the variable dot when printing with filmmaker. Multiple dot sizes.

Any Epson will produce superior result due to the Epson places the dot with a plunger. Most other printers heat the ink till it burst. Some have produced some cold process heads but they still can't produce the quality of a Epson and still produce splatter.

I know this is a bit off topic but do most emulsions hold that crisp line from the 1430? I ask because they offer high def emulsion but does it really make a difference, I have been using the Ryonet Dual Cure and figure if I'm upgrading the printer I should make sure my stencil holds that better definition.

 

[sben763]

Any emulsion should be able to hold what's on the film. Exposure unit, proper exposure time, humidity regulation, and host of other variables will determine your out come. Dual cure has a wider exposure latitude where as SBQ/Photopolymer has a narrow exposure time. Nailing your times for your exposure unit, your coating techniques for the emulsion your using.

 

[Ready2Rock]

Any emulsion should be able to hold what's on the film. Exposure unit, proper exposure time, humidity regulation, and host of other variables will determine your out come. Dual cure has a wider exposure latitude where as SBQ/Photopolymer has a narrow exposure time. Nailing your times for your exposure unit, your coating techniques for the emulsion your using.

But can you tell the difference in the Hi Def emulsion if your variables are correct vs the dual cure?

 

[sben763]

No. Most of the emulsions you see labeled as "high definition" are SBQ/Photopolymer which for years many have said you couldn't use for hi detailed artwork. It a gimmick IMO